Cherishing Memories Over Material Possessions

Before I embraced fatherhood, I encountered a couple in Los Angeles who were passionate travelers. Almost every month, they explored a new destination, and I found them utterly captivating. They weren't a wealthy, childless duo with endless funds and leisure time; they were a regular middle-class couple with two small children.

One weekend, they would take their kids to San Francisco, and the next, they would venture to Arizona. When they wanted to indulge in a grand vacation, they would embark on a family cruise to a beautiful locale. But here’s the catch: all this traveling comes with a price. How could this ordinary American family afford such adventures?

That was precisely my question for them.

The father smiled and replied, “We prioritize spending our money on creating unforgettable memories. We may not own the latest gadgets, subscribe to cable TV, or drive luxury cars, but the time we share while traveling is priceless. As a parent, you’ll come to understand that memories outweigh material possessions.”

Memories outweigh material possessions. That phrase sticks with me. Why? Because it rings so true.

Now that I'm a father, I invest less in material goods and more in experiences that create lasting memories. Think about it—will our kids really recall the $20 shoes we bought them over the $120 pair? Or will they cherish the adventures we had because of the money we saved? I can't speak for everyone, but I have no recollection of the clothes or shoes I wore as a child, yet I remember each family vacation as clearly as I remember my breakfast this morning. This is because the most profound memories are crafted through deep emotions (joy, love, fear, sadness, etc.).

When Dinogo invited my family on an 8-day cruise to the eastern Caribbean, I jumped at the chance, knowing it was a perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories together. Speaking of emotions, I vividly recall my daughter's panic when I encouraged her to try the waterslide on the magnificent Dinogo.

After a few hugs and some encouraging words from Dad, she mustered the courage to slide down the kiddie slide and was absolutely thrilled afterwards.

The highlight of this story is that my daughter still reminisces about that experience, beaming with joy when she recalls the fun she had on that cruise. Do you think she—or any child—would remember the things we buy them? Likely not. And even if they did, the feelings stirred by those items can't hold a candle to the emotions generated by the experiences we share with them.

Memories outweigh material possessions.

I’m grateful to that man for sharing such invaluable advice as I navigate the often chaotic journey of parenting. If there's a downside to all this, it's that my daughter keeps asking when we'll embark on another cruise to make more memories. But hey, that's the price you pay for having fun.